What Siding Is Best for Your House?
Washington-based siding contractors discuss getting the best bang for your buck when it comes to siding installation.
When someone is considering exterior home renovation and trying to maintain curb appeal, the type of siding used is definitely a major decision. Siding can completely change the look of a home, and it is most likely going to require a siding contractor to complete. Siding is not really a DIY project and the labor side of siding services is not particularly cheap. Where a homeowner may be able to save money is in the area of materials. If you are looking for the least expensive and most durable option, this is the article for you.
Natural Siding: Stone, Cedar, and Wood Siding
Siding that uses natural products such as wood and stone have a great deal of curb appeal. Stone siding is less expensive and lighter in weight than building with stones but gives the same appearance. Partially due to the expense, it is often used on the lower part of houses while the upper part is covered with a different kind of siding. Obviously, stone siding is very durable but not cheap.
Cedar shake siding is an incredibly attractive type of siding that has been used a great deal in the past couple of centuries. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to decay and if maintained, it can last for more than 50 years. The key phrase here is “if maintained.” Cedar siding is great for historical restoration, but it does take a lot of care and maintenance, and with the recent fluctuation in wood prices, it can be incredibly expensive. A person would encounter similar problems with other types of wood siding as well.
Inexpensive: Aluminum and Vinyl
Aluminum metal siding has been popular for many years, particularly for industrial settings. It has become a popular option for homes as well. It is not expensive and is, most notably, fireproof. As technology has advanced it has become less a cheap, tacky option and more of a durable and more attractive than before option. Vinyl siding is still one of the least expensive yet appealing choices on the market. It can be affected by temperature and is not necessarily considered durable.
Benefits of Aluminum Siding:
- Less expensive
- Fireproof
- Small seams between panels
- Recyclable
Benefits of Vinyl Siding:
- Inexpensive
- Good for covering old siding
- Pleasing appearance and easy to clean
Durable: Fiber Cement Siding
The latest development in siding technology is fiber cement siding. It is made of a combination of cement materials and cellulose fiber (plant and tree pulp). It creates versatile and fairly light and durable siding that can last for a lifetime. Though it is not the cheapest option, it is much more durable than wood or vinyl siding and actually retains its value very well as compared to other types of siding.
Advantages of Fiber Cement Siding:
- Durability: It is not affected by extreme temperatures and though it can be broken, it is not flimsy or brittle like vinyl. It is fire resistant, though not fireproof due to the organic fibers in its makeup.
- Value: It retains its value for resale.
- Insulating: It offers better weather protection alone than either vinyl or aluminum.
- Versatile: Fiber cement siding can be used for historical builds due to its ability to mimic wood siding. It can be painted easily and is easy to clean.
About Cobalt Exteriors, Inc.
For more than 30 years, Cobalt Exteriors has been the premiere siding company in Woodinville, WA, and the surrounding areas. We have James Hardie fiber cement siding products and are highly experienced in siding installation and designing windows and decks. Call us today for a free quote on your new home exterior.
